Overview

• The UFC has finalized a seven-year, $7.7 billion U.S. rights agreement with Paramount Skydance that will shift all numbered events and Fight Nights to Paramount+ starting in 2026, effectively ending its traditional pay-per-view model.
• Select marquee cards will be simulcast on CBS as part of Paramount’s strategy to broaden audience reach and drive subscriptions.
• Prominent fighters and commentators warn that removing PPV points could weaken athletes’ bargaining leverage and reduce their top-earner payouts.
• UFC President Dana White has vowed that total fighter pay and post-fight bonuses will rise under the new model and said he expects ESPN to continue covering UFC even after losing media rights.
• Negotiations are ongoing to flesh out the detailed compensation framework, secure international broadcast rights and plan a July 4, 2026 fight night on the White House south lawn.